German MPs fear UK will breach EU laws after Brexit

Experts in the Bundestag, Germany’s national parliament, fear the U.K. could violate EU law and go unpunished if Britain votes to quit the 28-member bloc, according to a secret report seen by German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

In the confidential analysis of the potential fallout from next week’s referendum, the report states the experts doubt “whether the United Kingdom would see a reason to comply with unwanted EU rules during the transition period,” the paper revealed Friday.

In the event of Brexit, the U.K. would retain full EU membership rights for two years while the terms of its departure are negotiated.

Violations of EU law during this time would likely go unpunished, the report states, because by the time a case would reach the European Court of Justice, the U.K. may no longer be subject to its jurisdiction.

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Stuart

As if Germany had never violated EU law! (e.g. deficit, Euro, Schengen etc.). But as Junker says, it’s different when it’s France or Germany.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 11:49 AM CET

Roy Jacobs

Of course we will be breaking the laws, the laws will no longer have any democratic mandate.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 11:59 AM CET

Tom Gawn

Unless the Commission invokes Article 7 very quickly.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 12:03 PM CET

Jane

The language of this German hate-mongering (which is what this is) is interesting. Our non-compliance with ‘EU Laws’? By which they mean we are the sort of evil people who flaunt human rights, don’t agree to our borders being breached by social migrants who’ve already ruined their own countries, don’t want to constantly turn out our pockets paying for unelected Brussels fat cats’ champagne lifestyles and never-ending legal hurdles? The use of the term ‘unpunished’ shows an emotional need and indeed encouragement to all Europe to punish us and dominate us. The controlling mindset of the German nation has caused so many problems in Europe for over a century (possibly more if one delves into deeper history). They have infected the member countries with this desire to control and financially and legally punish those who don’t quite comply with their demands. How little has truly changed. It’s just a bit more stealthy nowadays.
In principle, I would love a united Europe, but the ideal has been spoilt by the greed and goose-stepping so little wonder the British want some fresh air and freedom. I also think these rabid ‘pro-European’nazis will find a way to punish us anyway. We really are between the Devil and the deep blue sea, aren’t we? They are bullies, pure and simple, their words reveal their true nature.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 12:21 PM CET

Alan

A bit like the pot calling the kettle black I think!

Laws already incorporated into UK domestic law remain in force unless or until actively repealed – they can’t simply be ignored.
It would seem logical however that no new laws/directives could be adopted & the ECJ jurisdiction would be time limited with any judgments liable to referral to the UK Supreme Court or overturned by UK only domestic legislation
‘Due process’ rules!

Posted on 6/17/16 | 1:30 PM CET

FierEuropeen

It is certainly that the english will do whatever suits them better during the exit negotiations time in terms of respecting the European law. This limbo situation could take at least 2 years to their advantage.
But it is a price worth paying, just to see them gone of the EU for good.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 1:55 PM CET

Tom Cullem

Yes, well, that’s rather the point, isn’t it? Of course, the EU could always have made it worth Britain’s while not to leave – a numerical annual migrant cap rather than that Open Door In Perpetuity, not trying to shove non-EU migrant quotas down member states’ throats against the will of their electorates, etc.

And speaking of ignoring laws, I see on The Guardian that the EU pressured Greece to change the makeup of the judicial committee that is holding up the deportations of migrants from Greece back to Turkey after it granted the appeal of one against such deportation.

Thus, making it clear that when it is in the EU’s political interests, it doesn’t care about legal independence.

BREXIT is the best card the UK ever held in dealing with the EU – what a pity it had a craven leader who didn’t know how to play it to advantage.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 2:42 PM CET

Nick Knight

If they vote out, they are no longer in the club, and should be treated as any other country. Europe should raise the walls, and start getting headquarters and the talent that the UK has been absorbing. If done well, a Brexit could be a HUGE benefit to the rest of Europe.

Posted on 6/17/16 | 4:06 PM CET

ironworker

Britain out of EU but respecting German imposed rules… 🙂

Posted on 6/17/16 | 6:10 PM CET

Maria Valentina Umer

Britain is experimenting with its future. It feels like the underdog vs. Germany, which effectively/practically runs the EU, granted! Merkel has gone a bit overboard in wanting to dominate EU politics. But her motives are sound: peace in Europe and a larger market to face the USA and China. By contrast, what are little England´s motives? Does the UK want to deal with the mobster Trump? If so, good riddance. The two clowns, Trump and Boris Johnson are the caricature of the week! The UK has lost its marbles!

Posted on 6/17/16 | 6:53 PM CET

EUL

@FierEuropeen

“This limbo situation could take at least 2 years to their advantage.”

So you think EU regulation stifles countries so much it really advantageous to not comply?

Britain is a country that respects laws as much as anyone, it isn’t in their nature IMO to flaunt them to any great extent.